Many of us choose to live in Orange County for the weather. But a significant draw is our open spaces.

If it were just the weather, we could live in the concrete landscape otherwise known as Los Angeles.

Sure, South County has more parkland than North County. But North County has the massive and diverse Chino Hills State Park.

Stretching a length of 31 miles and encompassing 14,102 acres, the park is something like a family ski resort.

There are steep, rugged trails that challenge the strongest trail runners and mountain bikers. There are meandering paths in the canyons that remain relatively flat for family hikes. And there are stunning views for everyone, including equestrians.

Standing atop Gilman Peak, you can see 360 degrees and take in Santa Catalina Island, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the San Gabriel Mountains, Mount San Gorgonio, Mount San Jacinto and almost all of the Santa Ana Mountains.

Chino Hills entrance – The Sapphire Road entrance is closed because of construction on the park’s Bane Canyon Road.

Camping – Rolling M Campground, the equestrian staging area, group campsites and other campgrounds also are closed.

I was told reopening the campgrounds likely will take months. Check with rangers for updates.

WHEN TO GO

The park is closed Tuesdays through Thursdays. Hopefully, this will change. The state parks department recently was accused of a multimillion-dollar surplus of, ahem, undiscovered funds.

Through March, the park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Mondays.

From April through September, the park is scheduled to be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays through Mondays.

Like most wilderness and county parks, Chino Hills is generally closed for 48 hours after rains.

HISTORY

You’ll learn all this at the Discovery Center, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays through Mondays.

Still, here’s a preview:

Before the Spanish era in Orange County, the Gabrielino tribe gathered walnuts, acorns and elderberries in the area.

By the late 1700s, the hills were transformed into cattle country and remained that way through much of the last century. Mexican ranchos such as Santa Ana del Chino and La Sierra Yorba became the Rolling M Ranch, and remnants of those decades are scattered through the park.

During my runs, I came across two watering troughs. But there’s also an old barn and windmills that officials say still exist.

In the late 1970s, the land was first seriously considered for a state park. A local group, Hills for Everyone, pushed through the purchase for 2,237 acres.

In 1984, the park became an official state park. Additional land purchases created the park we see today.

FLORA AND FAUNA

As I ran trails over the weekend, the fragrance of sage wafted in the air above grassy hills, and fresh water flowed through lowland creeks.

Despite the fires, the park is still home to oaks, willows, sycamores and the rare Tecate cypress.

The park also is considered a critical wildlife corridor. The most amazing thing I saw – and I’m not kidding – was a white rabbit.

Yes, I suspect the rabbit’s a former pet. Still, it was doing just fine. I also saw a domesticated brown bunny. But how long the furry friends survive is a question. The park also is home to coyotes, bobcats and possibly the occasional mountain lion.

During my runs, I also spotted turkey vultures and red-tailed hawks. Officials estimate more than 200 species of birds and animals. They include the California gnatcatcher, coastal cactus wrens and red-winged blackbirds.

Speaking of animals, dogs aren’t allowed in the backcountry or on trails.

COMING UP

This Saturday, there’s a special birding and biking program starting at 9 a.m. at the Discovery Center.

If you’re new to Chino Hills State Park, it should be a great introduction. It is a “beginner bike ride” and will cover 11 miles over four hours. There will be several stops.

David Whiting is the award-winning Metro Columnist at The Orange County Register. He also can be heard on radio, has served as a television news anchor and speaks frequently at organizations and universities. He previously was an assistant managing editor and has received Columbia University’s Race and Ethnicity Award, National Headliner awards and Sigma Delta Chi’s Public Service Award. He recently was invited to participate in an exchange program with Chinese journalists. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and his master’s from Columbia University’s Graduate School for Journalism. He is a two-time Ironman, a two-time Boston marathoner and has climbed the highest mountains in Africa and North and South America.

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